An introductory lecture course focusing on human reproduction to demonstrate some basic biological principles. The course includes discussion of cellular and organismal processes related to the development of human biological complexity. Current research in reproductive biology and its impact on the individual and society is considered. Lecture and laboratory. Primarily for non-science majors; credit not applicable to the biology major.

An examination of basic biological principles underlying current biotechnology in the fields of human genetics and genetic engineering. Discussion of methods of basic scientific research, the impact of technology on society, and ethical problems in human and agricultural genetics. Credit not applicable to biology major. Weekly laboratories will introduce basic experimental methodology and procedures.

Development, morphology, physiology, and ecology of plants, animals, fungi and unicellular organisms will be compared in evolutionary context. Phylogenic relationships, ecological interactions, and ecosystem processes will be explored. Lecture and laboratory.

An introduction to experimental and sampling design in the fields of biology and biochemistry, as well as methods of data analysis and interpretation. The connection between statistical analysis and experimental design will be emphasized. Topics include descriptive, exploratory, and confirmatory statistical analyses. Lecture and computer laboratory.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.

A lecture and field-study course examining the principles and problems of animal behavior. Subjects include orientation, feeding, locomotion, communication, escape in time and space, biological rhythms, mate choice, and aspects of social behavior, examined from evolutionary, ontogenetic, physiological, ecological, and ethological perspectives. Lecture and laboratory. May be taken separately or as part of the Marine Biology Term.

The influence of climate on global habitats is considered. Selected terrestrial life zones, including neotropic, paleotropic, montane, desert, cold temperate, and warm temperate, are analyzed and stresses produced by climate and habitat evaluated. Adaptive responses at the morphological and physiological levels are investigated and scientific principles are applied to contemporary ethical issues, including restoration and conservation ecology. Lecture only.

Laboratories, lectures, and discussion designed to introduce the student to the unique adaptations that make plants environmentally competitive. Special attention will be given to the value and use of those adaptations in human cultures. For students who entered Lawrence in 2011 or earlier: If a student has already taken BIOL 120, BIOL 211 may not be used as an upper-level course in the major. BIOL 211 may be used to fulfill either the introductory requirement (replacing BIOL 120) OR an upper-level lab/field course for the major, but not both.

Introductory course in any two different natural sciences; at least one intermediate course in a natural science; and at least sophomore standing.

Description:

This course explores questions of deep origins—of the Solar System, Earth, and Life—and how these can be addressed through the methods of physics, geology, and biology. Topics considered include stellar evolution, planetary formation, the origin of the Moon, the differentiation of the Earth, and geological and biological constraints on the nature of the earliest lifeforms.

Students will examine and compare the complex life cycles of a variety of parasites, including those of medical and veterinary importance. Specific topics covered within the course will include: parasite biochemistry, ecology, parasite evasion of the host immune system, host immune responses, how parasites may alter host behavior. The laboratory component of the course will include both live and preserved specimens.

A study of microbial life with an emphasis on prokaryotes. Microbial physiology is examined in the context of how unique characteristics allow microbes to exploit a vast diversity of environments, including the human body. Laboratory exercises introduce students to techniques used to safely study microorganisms.

An introduction to the interactions between organisms and the environment, exploring the role of physical, chemical, and biotic processes, including human activities, in determining the structure and function of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Topics will include resource availability, competition, predation, symbiosis, and natural and anthropogenic disturbances such as disease, biological invasions, pollution, and climate change. Lecture and laboratory.

Biological stresses induced by environmental variables are described. Physiological and molecular adaptations associated with flowering, disease resistance, pollination, germination, and nutrient uptake and partitioning are discussed and investigated, using both field and laboratory experience. Lecture and laboratory.

A study of biological evolution, including natural selection, adaptation, the evolution of sex, speciation, extinction, and constraints on evolutionary change. Readings include classic and current literature. Two lectures and one discussion per week.

An examination of the endocrine system, a major regulator of an animal’s development, physiology, and behavior. Attention to both classic techniques and recent developments involving hormones and other chemical mediators such as neurohormones, neurotransmittors, pheromones, and chemical inductors. Lecture only.

An integrated lecture and laboratory course that undertakes the study of the structure and function of vertebrate organ systems through examination of morphology. Vertebrate ontogeny, phylogeny, and anatomy are addressed.

The structure and organization of the eukaryotic cell are described and employed to understand functional interrelationships at the organelle and molecular levels. Major processes considered include external environmental control mechanisms, developmental events, the regulation of energy exchange, and membrane function. Lecture only.

A comparative study of the variety of solutions and adaptations diverse animals can make to similar problems — obtaining and transporting oxygen, maintaining water and salt balance, utilizing food, movement, and nervous and hormonal integration. Lecture and laboratory.

This course explores the scientific concepts related to the conservation and restoration of the Earth’s biological diversity. Topics include patterns of species and ecosystem diversity, the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, causes of extinction, assessing extinction risk, behavioral indicators, in-situ and ex-situ management strategies for endangered species, and ecosystem restoration. Lecture only.

The principles of plant-environment interrelationships are developed through extensive field study of Wisconsin vegetation. Emphasis is placed on the manner in which physical and biological factors influence competition, adaptation, and structure in major local habitats. Lecture and laboratory.

An introduction to the design of sampling programs and experiments in biological studies, as well as methods of data analysis and interpretation. Course highlights the importance of considering possible statistical analyses when planning studies, including the role of descriptive, exploratory, and confirmatory statistics in data analysis and interpretation. Lecture only.

One of BIOL 260, BIOL 354, BIOL 444, or concurrent enrollment or consent of instructor

Description:

Survey of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, the basic functional unit of life. Correlation of cellular structures including organelles, proteins, and membranes with functions such as cellular communication, division, transport, movement, and secretory pathways will be analyzed. Lecture and laboratory.

The principles of the ecology of fresh waters, developed through discussions, laboratory, and field investigations of the functional relationships and productivity of biotic communities as they are affected by the dynamics of physical, chemical, and biotic parameters. Lecture and laboratory.

This course emphasizes core concepts in ecology and evolution from the unique perspective of plants. Students will explore the interaction between plants and their environment over a range of scales; from individuals to populations and communities, to landscapes and global patterns. Lecture and laboratory. For students who entered Lawrence in 2011 or earlier: BIOL 335 may be used to fulfill either the introductory requirement (replacing BIOL 120) OR an upper-level lab/field course for the major, but not both.

CHEM 116 and either BIOL 140 or BIOL 150, and one course in psychology; or PSYC 360 and one course in biology; or consent of instructor

Description:

A study of the nervous system from the perspectives of psychology, biology,
and/or biological anthropology. Topics vary year to year and may include glial cells, neural development, and the evolution of nervous systems and neurotransmitter systems. Lecture only. May be repeated with consent of instructor.

Topic for Fall 2012: Evolution of Nervous Systems
Taking a comparative approach, this course will explore the evolution of nervous systems from the coelenterates to the vertebrates. We will focus on the structural components of the nervous systems as well as the neurotransmitters present using both primary and secondary literature as sources.

A hands-on course intended to demonstrate basic ecological principles using local terrestrial ecosystems. Field research projects will introduce students to methods in hypothesis development, experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific writing and presentation. Research topics will include estimating population size, community structure, plant-animal interactions, and foraging behavior. Lecture and laboratory.

An interdisciplinary examination of regulatory mechanisms leading to differential gene expression. Main topics include transcription, translation, gene and protein structure, and modern genomics. The application of current molecular techniques is emphasized throughout the course. Laboratory work is experimental in approach. Lecture and laboratory.

An introduction to the process of developing mathematical descriptions of the interactions between components of a population, community, or ecosystem, and the use of computer simulation as a tool for understanding ecology and natural resource management. Topics include population growth, predator-prey and competitor interactions, and mass balance in ecosystems.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.

This course will cover the basic concepts of immunology, including differentiation of immune cells, antibody structure and diversity, antigen-antibody reactions, the major-histocompatibility complex, the complement system, immune responses to pathogens, allergies and auto-immune diseases, and comparative immunology. The course will also examine recent advances in the field through current peer-reviewed publications. No laboratory in 2012-13.

BIOL 330, concurrent enrollment in BIOL 505 and 200 and consent of instructor

Description:

Field and laboratory experimental investigations of the transfer and transformation of energy or energy-containing materials between and within organisms and populations of aquatic ecosystems. Part of the Marine Biology Term. Lecture and laboratory.

An investigation of how microbial organisms use and influence their environment. Experiments in the field and laboratory will explore the roles of microbes in ecosystems with a particular focus on the transfer of energy within and between organisms. Part of the Marine Biology Term.

An introduction to the study of biological processes at the molecular level with emphases on protein struction and function, enzyme mechanism and kinetics, fundamentals of physical biochemistry, and the chemistry of biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

A course designed to offer students an opportunity to study important issues in biology not covered in other regularly offered classes. Activities may include reading and analysis of material from primary literature, consideration of interdisciplinary connections, and field and laboratory activities.

Topic for Spring 2013: Plant/Animal Interactions
A lecture and field-study course examining the ecology of the relationships of plants and animals, including protection mutualisms, pollination, seed dispersal, animal herbivory and plant defense. Lecture and laboratory.

A course designed to offer students an opportunity to study important issues in biology not covered in other regularly offered classes. Activities may include reading and analysis of material from primary literature, consideration of interdisciplinary connections, and field and laboratory activities.

Topic for Spring 2013: Plant/Animal Interactions
A lecture and field-study course examining the ecology of the relationships of plants and animals, including protection mutualisms, pollination, seed dispersal, animal herbivory and plant defense. Lecture and laboratory.

An experimental approach to animal development with laboratory and lecture emphasis on the molecular and cellular level. Includes discussions of pattern formation, differentiation, cell interactions, gametogenesis, fertilization, and early embryogenesis. Lecture and laboratory.

A continuation of Biochemistry I. A study of biological processes at the molecular level with an emphasis on metabolic pathways, recent advances in biochemical medicine, and biochemical aspects of gene replication, protein synthesis, molecular motors, and sensing. The course is divided between lecture and discussion and will rely heavily on current biochemical literature.

A formal introduction to advanced research and techniques in biochemistry. Students will go through the process of developing an independent research project from analyzing scientific literature to conducting experiments. Results and data analysis will be disseminated in the form of oral or written reports.

An advanced seminar covering key areas of cancer biology, including epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and current treatments. Students will undertake critical review of current literature in these fields and will have input into course content.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.

Senior standing and declared major in biology, or consent of instructor

Description:

A multidisciplinary lecture series on modern biological theory and research. Students attend seminars and prepare short summaries or “reaction papers” on topics covered. Biology faculty members and visiting scientists in biological and allied fields present seminars relating their research to the broader aspects of their disciplines. Topics discussed within any academic year provide a comprehensive exposure to the current frontiers of biological research. May be repeated for a maximum of three units.

Senior capstone in which students will benefit from direct input and feedback on their scientific writing and oral presentation skills as they complete senior experience papers. Successful completion of BIOL 650 includes participation in BioFest, a symposium of biology senior experience projects during spring term and successful completion of two terms of the Recent Advances in Biology lecture series.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work.